Hackney Council makes splash with plans to keep London Fields Lido open longer
The lengths they go to: London Fields Lido could stay open longer. Photograph: Hackney Council
London Fields Lido could stay open later in the winter months as part of plans tabled by Hackney Council.
The council is consulting on a scheme to install floodlights around the popular outdoor heated pool, which was reopened in 2006 after years of dereliction.
Residents can attend drop-in sessions at the lido to hear more information about the plans and ask questions on Wednesday 19 February from 3pm-7pm and Thursday 20 February from 4pm-8pm.
Councillor Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, said: “We are keen to hear residents’ view over these exciting plans to give all residents the best chance to use this much loved facility.
“We think that the planned floodlighting would allow maximum benefit to pool users and residents alike and are interested to hear what you think.”
Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting can send their questions and comments by e-mail to consultation@hackney.gov.uk
i personally dont like the idea at all- one for the light pollution and two one it is a very wonderful experience to swim as the light fades and the pool gets lit from inside. Is this surely not a better and more subtle inoffensive option – to light the pool from within and have safety floor lighting between the pool and the changing facilities. I think it would be a very big shame if the area were to become like an amenity sports facility. There are reasons why it is so popular and that fact that it is not like your typical sports pool is most definately one of them. I say a very big NO.
This is a very positive move for Hackney Council to make showing that they are in tune with swimmers’ needs. Lighting the lido to extend the opening hours during the winter months will enable people to swim before or after work in the winter as well as the summer. Many swimmers cancel their membership for the winter period – extending the hours by lighting the pool will increase revenue. The lido’s popularity has increased massively since it opened in 2006 – the installation of poolside lighting will maximise usage significantly.
Upwards light pollution should be minimised. Pool hours in winter are too short at present so some form of lighting is desirable.
Open air pools should be a thing of beauty and that should be an important consideration.
Open air winter swimming at the weekend is especially, surprisingly, crowded and that may be overcome if the hours are longer. It means workers are keen to swim in winter but cannot make the restrictive daylight opening.